if 

mi 




QBb7 

mi 




anial Premium, 1876. 




i farther wijkou* a set, for I studied Burnett* 
Equatyon, jy£jl%me fifteen years without under* 
4rca&o>*ng.it, until aided by the Planispheres, 
which are to Astronomy what a map is to Geog- 
raphy, being a directory of the Starry Heavens. 
Anycnewishingtoperfecthimselfintelhngthe 
tim%of night by the stars, without a timepiece, 
can use the Planispheres to a great advantage. 
Should any one become bewildered or lost at 
night, he will find the stars of great help in 
finding his way. I was lost one night in the' 
woods, and found my way out and home, 20 
miles nearer, by my knowledge of the stars. 
If it was of so much value to me on one night, 
of what inestimable value would it be to the 
mariner, or those w r ho are out on the plains or 
traveling for pleasure or prorit? So many 
small maps of the sky have been published, 
a great want is to locate them on the sky; the 
Planisphere makes the. task easy. 



Hetelleth the number of the Stars; He calleth them 
all by their names.— Psalm cxlvii, 4. 

An enlightened example for us all to follow. 
Is a verity, and now ready for the common 
school or primary classes, wherever the teach- 
ers are, who can give their scholars the celestial 
object-lessons of heavenly beauty. Sabbath 
schools teach the God of the Bible; He is the 
same God that made the Sun, Moon, and Stars. 
In the Normal schools, High schools, Acade- 
mies, and Colleges, so many study Astronomy 
but leave out the pleasure of calling the stars 
"by their names," that most pleasing and prac- 
tical part of the lesson studied to-day, and if 
clear, to-night, we can see the stars learned. To 
know them is to me the most charming of all 
studies, for, when I graduated I could calculate 
an Almanac, but not name a star when seen. 
If my Prof, knew, he never taught me, which 
defect in my education has taken twenty-one 
years of myspare time, to obtain what I w r anted, 
viz, the Movable Planisphere of the Heavens, 
that can be set every minute, any day, and on 
its face read the name, and see the positions of 
the fixed stars, and by an easy rule, almost any 
child can w r ork out all the planets, places, then 
go to the clear sky to demonstrate the object 
lesson, making the application so plain, easy, 
and practical, that the scholar and teacher who 
want to know the names of the stars, can, 
by sending §6, to your book seller or Henry 
Whitall, Phillipsburg, N. J., 
obtain by return mail a full set of Planispheres, 
with 99 rules and explanation, which will sup- 
ply the want. Steps to the roof, where all 
who have or will buy the Planispheres, can 
nome count and name the stars, and have the 
free use or' a good Telescope; other Gentlemen 
and Ladies 25cts, Children lOcts. Lockyer's 
English edition on Globes, was corrected 
in U.S. edition by the Planisphere. By 
rule 94 and Lockyer, the Planisphere is 
365 times better than a celestial globe. If the 
Planispheres showed nothing else but equation 
oftime, and cost $50, there is not a professor, 
fully understanding rules 17 to 20, would go 



We, the undersigned recently attended an evening's 
entertainment given by Prof. Henry Whitall, with his 
Movable Planisphere on glass illustrated by means of 
theStereopticon.and iLuminated by the Cxy hydrogen 
light. The illustration was as large as the room would 
allow, and we believe it inighr have been shown on a 
larger seal e i f the s; ze of the room would have permitted. 
The Planisphere, with tr e prominent constellations and 
chief stars, was brought before us, and the location of 
many of them fixed in our minds by referring them by 
name to their position in the various animals or figures 
which are used to designate Celestial localities When 
the stars aDd constellations had been gone over in this 
way, that planisphere was removed, and the natural 
planisphere, which looks so much like the sky, was 
brought before us and pleasantly reviewed by calling to 
our minds the location of the stars in the different paits 
of the constellations. The review was intelligent, and 
called forth thought of the highest order. The Planis- 
phere looked so really like the ca nopy of Heaven spread 
out above us every clear night that when we came to re* 
view our lessons on that third largest, most accuiate. 
and best of maps (the clear sky,) we were agreeably 
surprised at the very great ease with which we called to 
mind all the groups, which we knew ps we would know 
persons, with whose photr graphs we bf d become famil. 
iar. We had also the free use of a very good telescope, 
which showed us the Four Moons and belts of Jupiter 
the Milky way, "paved with stars," the mountains, 
shadows, and valleys of the moon, and stars of differ- 
ent colors. We believe the ignorance and mystery so 
long resting on the Starry Heavens is now to be dispell- 
ed, and " He telleth the number of the stars, he calleth 
them all bv name, ' will be a verity in the school room, 
for everyone that knows a figure 2 knows enough to 
know it on the sky, win n he meets with a teacher who 
knows enough to'point out iis position, or thai of the 
Dipper or the Cross. This long neglected branch of Sci- 
ence, which has only been known to the learned few 
after long years of toil and study is now so enlarged s^ 
beautified, so simp'ified and so well explained as to both 
please and astonish us, that we can lear «o much in 
one short hour. We are glad to see ail speculation left 
out, and to find one who deals in facts and who can find 
enough of the known to interest, please and instruct 
We cordially recommerd all interested in knowing the 
names of the stars to give him a hearing. 
R BINGHAM, Patron Philotechnic Inst Camden. 
HENkY MOORE Prin. thilo. Instiute 
MISS E CAM PBELL. Teacher Philo. Institute. 
W H. SAMUEL, A. M., Prin. Stevens' Gram. Sch. 
H.*L. BONSALL, .Supt. Camden Public Schools. 
GEO E. F RY, Prin. Cooper School. 
GEOFFREY BUCK WALTER, Prin. Cooper Sen. 
R SHUTTLnWORTH, Mem. Camden Brd o'Edctn 
WM. H F ARMSTEA1), Prin. Mt. Vernon School 
HARRIET N. KING Prin. J. S. Muiford School. 
R A LLOYD Prof.of Astron. Chest. St. Sem. PhiL 
T'B LANGTON. W. Penn Sq. Academy. Phila. 
A LYNCH, Prof, of Astron. Logan Sq Sem. Phila. 

The above can be repeated on favorable arrange- 
ment- with Henry Whitall, Phillipaburtf, Si. J. 



It 




HELIOTELLUS. 

Th;re i3 no book on Physical Geography, there 
is no Professor in any University, can impart as 
much information in the same time and with the 
samo thoroughness, as can be done by the most 
unpretending school teacher with the aid of the 
HeJiotellus. There is no mechanical knowledge 
required, the instrument is complete in'itself, 
and only needs to bo sot in operation by the 
turning of a crank. The first lessons in Geog- 
raphy by means of it become an interesting 
object lesson, and the knowledge imparted 
through the senses and the understanding has a 
lasting impression unon the mind. The kind of 
instruction it i9 fitted to illustrate will be seen 
by examining the following list of questions : 

What is Geography? What is the Earth? 
What is a Globe or Sphere ? How many motions 
has the Earth ? What are they ? What is the 
daily motion ? How shown ? V, hat is day ? 
night? Where do we live? House? Street? 
Town? County? State? Country? Point to 
the place where the Sun is at noon ? at evening ? 
at midnight? at morning? at noon next day ? 
What is the Axis of the Earth ? In what direc- 
tion does it always point ? Which way does the 
Earth roll in its daily motion ? in yearly ? how 
far in a day ? What Planet nearest the Earth ? 
Where is the New Moon ? 1st Quarter? Full? 
last Quarter ? and New again ? Around what 
is the Moon rolling ? What direction? Around 
what does the Earth move ? What is the Sun ? 
Equator? Equinoctial? Great Circle? North- 
ern Tropic? Polar Circlo ? Southern Trcpic? 
What ii the South Polar Circle? What Zono 
North of the North Polar Circle ? What Zone 
between it and Northern Tropic? What Zone 
between the Tropics? Between the Southern 
Tropic and South Polar Circle ? It and South 
Pole? What is the Ecliptic? How does the 
Ecliptic bound the Zones? Over what Circle 
does the Sun shine perpendicularly June 21st? 
Dec. 21? March 20? Sept. 21 ? What is the 
plane of the ecliptic? What does it always strike ? 
what pass near? Where does the sun shine in the 
Fall? When is equal day and night ? Which side 
does the moon always keep next to the earth ? 
Do we see the other sido ? Why does the new 
moon int^o Fall always appear over the Equa- 
tor? Why first quarter always runs low ? Why 
full moon over the Equator? JVhy does the last 
qu.ir. ni on in the Fa.l always run high ? Why 
does every moon light up the whole Earth? 
What ie perigoo ? What is apogee t Over what 



circle does the sun shine perpendicularly Dec. 
21 ? How far doea the Bun shine around the 
South Pole? How far does the darkness extend 
around the North Pole? Why have we short 
days and long nights in Winter? When the sun 
runs low why does the full moon run high? 
Why is the full moon always opposite the Fun ? 
Why is the six month night at the North 
Pole lighted^ by 2 weeks of nearly full moon 
light? Why is it colder the nearer we are to 
the sun ? Where does the sun shine March 20th? 
How long then the days and nights? When 
the sun sets in tho West why is the new moon in 
the West too? W 7 hy does the moon next night 
appear a little higher? next higher? higher 
every night ? Where 1st quarter ? Why does the 
moon increase in size until full? When the euh 
sets in West why does the full moon rise in th 
East ? How does the moon grow less every 
night until new? What i3 the old moon in the 
new moon's arms ? Why not seo the old moon in 
quarters? Why does the first quarter moon in 
the Spring always run high ? Why last quarter 
always low? Is the sun farther from U3 in Spring? 
Is it still farther in Summer ? Why warmest 
when farthest from the sun? Where does the 
sun shine in Summer? How near over our 
heads ? Why are our shadows so much shorter 
in Summer? How far does the sun shino beyond 
the North Pole ? How much darkness around 
the South Pole ? Whrn wo have longest day why 
have we shortest night ? when the sun runs high 
why does the full moon run low ? If a person 
stand on the Arctic circlo, June 21st, at midnight, 
in what direction must he look to see the sun ? 
How is the whole earth lighted every moon? 
How much easier to turn the crank and seo tho 
object go to the answer, than make it in words, 
or even on a black-board ? 

How many seasons has Mercury ? What are 
theyl Why Summer always at the Equator? 
Why Winter at tho Poles ? What is Inferior Con- 
junction? What is Superior Conjunction? What 
is greatet-t Elongation ? "What is transit ? How 
long is Mercury's year? What i3 Stationary? 
Has it phases? When only seen? How many 
seasons has Venus at her Equator? At her 
Poles? When, Morning Star? When, Evening 
Star? How change? Phases of Venus? Occupa- 
tion ? Synodic ? Sidereal? Y/hat i3 tho inclina- 
tion of the axis of the Earth? Of Mercury? Of 
Venus ? What difference in seasons ? How many 
seasons has the Moon ? What are they ? What is 
Libration? W T hat makes tide3? What makes 
Eclipses of the Sun? Moon? Three porcons 
start from the Equator, one at 12 o'clock, ono 
15° East, at 11 o'clock, the other 1G° West, at 1 
o'clock, instantaneously arriving at the South 
Pole, what time i3 it to each one? or what tino 
should they have gono to tho North Polo ? Why 
so much more water around tho South Polo? 
Why, if reversed, would tho North bo deluged 
and in the South dry land appear? 

This mechanical contrivance consists of com 
plicated machinery, and requires very perfect 
workmanship, and could not be produced under. 
$250, by the most accomplished mechanic ; yet, 
bv an expenditure of $J3,000, machinery was 
constructed, by which the instruments were 
made. This machinery was destroyed by fire. 
There is no fear of the market being flooded with 
them, so those thatthink of purchasing a llelio- 
tellus will not gain anything by waiting. 

Price, $G5 Address, HENRY WIIITALL, 
Phillipa burg , New Jersey. 



1 

hal 
ad 1 



r 



A DIAL OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM, 

Being also, A Mechanical Diagram of the Move- 
ments of the Sun, Moon and Planets — 
recording and showing their positions at 
any time, as viewed from the Earth or 
Sun — by J. H. Nichols, Easton, Pa. 

[Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1881, by 
Henry Whitall, Phillipsburg, N. J.] 

We here introduce to your favor a new in- 
strument, intended to be of assistance in ac- 
quiring an understanding of the motions of the 
Sun, Moon and Planets, which comprise that 
part of the Solar system most interesting to us. 

We do this fas we suppose) best, by telling 
what the instrument will accomplish in your 
hands. 

The Instrument mainly represents the plane 
of the earth's orbit, with the sun's place in the 
centre. 

The margin includes the circle of the ecliptic, 
divided in degrees, and including both the signs 
and the constellations of the Zodiac by name*, 
with solsticial and equinoctial points. The di- 
rection and rate of movement of signs to meet 
the Sun, (or precession of Equinoxes), is also 
given. 

A portion of the instrument is appropriated 
to the orbit of each planet. Here its diameter 
is given, together with its distance from the Sun 
in round numbers. A register or marker, is 
applied to each orbit, to show the position of the 
planet. 

The orbits of all are divided into periods con- 
venient for observing and recording the position 
and progress of the planet. An ellipse, with 
each orbit shows the perihelion } oint, and as- 
cending node, together with the direction and 
rate of their several variations. 

Further, the instrument will simply yet forci 
bly illustrate the inclination of each several 
orbit to that of the earth : and the line of nodes 
of each by a portion of an orbit both below and 
• above that of the earth. It will also show by 
rough measurement the angular distance of any 
planet from the earth's orbit at any time. 

Meridians, colures, and other circles are 
shown with equal facility. 

The conditions under which the several plan- 
ets appear at times as Stationary or Retrograde 
in their courses ; Opposition Conjunction (infe- 
rior or superior), Ocultations, Transits, &c, 
cocur as in nature, and only need the applica- 
tion of the names by which we know them, to 
be understood. 

The earth's orbit, is divided in calender 
months with 365 days. The earth's axis is 
attached at its proper inclination, and holds its 
position continually parallel to any previous one, 

* For the ConstelUtion9 themselves, see Whitall's 
Puntsphere, which contains all the stars visible to the 
unassisted eye. 



though changing place constantly. A email 
globe represents the earth, making apparent the 
equinoctial and solsticial positions, and the 
changes of climate resulting therefrom. The 
rotation of this globe upon its axis, shows not 
only the phenomenon of Night and Day, but the 
revolution of the planets around the Sun, all in 
beautiful and mysterious array , denoting when, 
where, and which may be seen at night from our 
stand on ihe earth, at whatever season of the 
year is selected. 

The Moon's establishment, which the instru- 
ment also comprises, is complete. This shows 
the eyzygies, (or points of new and full moons) 
constantly, without adjustment; the points of 
perigee and apogee, with convenient adjustment 
for their variations; and, the line of nodes is 
provided and adjusted in like manner. 

The symbol for the Moon i3 so arranged as to 
pass over in its revolutions all the points above 
given, and to ehow by suitable divisions, both 
the siderial and the lunar mont h, with the differ- 
ence in days between them, and how produced. 

Now as the coincidence of the moon with 
the lines of nodes and syzygies, brings about 
eclipses of both sun and moon, such a coinci- 
dence takes place in this little contrivance, and 
will mark the occurrence of an eclipse of either 
sun or moon, to a day of time. 

The dial cannot be otherwise than of valuable 
service to every student and observer of nature. 

It will exhibit the situation of the earth in 
relation to constellations of the zodiac, and the 
several planets, at any time, at a glance. Thus 
< he various occurrences which are often ascribed 
to those bodies, may be examined with more 
readiness, 8rd the cause assigned with more 
justice and certainty. 

The moon in particular, by reason of its prox- 
imity to the earth, and its continual change in 
relative position, has a great and varied influence 
upon it, doubtless far exceeding any that has 
ever been ascribed to. her. 

These several conditions are made apparent 
without study, by inspection of the dial, and the 
effect of such influences can be discussed with 
additional interest, and a probability of more 
rtliable results. 

The Dial of the Solar System, though accom- 
plishing this muc!i, is not a machine. It contains 
neither wheel, lever, crank, or pinion; and 
makes no attempt at imitation of the heavenly 
bodies, in proportionate magnitude, or relative 
distances. 

The adjustments with a single exception, are 
independent of each other, and are as simple as 
moving the hands of a clock. It weighs about 
one-and-a-half pounds, and can be sent by mail 
with safety. 

For further particulars apply to 

J. H. Nichols, Easton, Pa., or Henry Whixaxx, 
Phillipsburg, N. J. 



SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $12.00. 



THE TWELVE SIGNS AND THE CONSTELLATIONS. 



TWELVE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC. 

OCT The names of the Constellations and Stars are 
accented on each Planisphere. 

A'RI-ES (the Ram) was 21551 years passing 
over the vernal equinox. While there, it was 
correct to say first point A'ri-es; as it has gone 
away, never to return, why not say first point 
Pis'ces? but Astrology demands, Astronomy 
consents, one sign in the rear. 

1. V --'& PIS'CES (the Fishes), at 
the vernal equinox, where the ecliptic and equa- 
tor meet on the first meridian. See painted 
Planisphere. The Fishes tied together by a flow- 
ing ribbon, making an angle at (a) alpha. The' 
stars are all small. On the black Planisphere, 
see a, o, sr, r h p ribbon running north; a, £, v, p, 
£ £ on the ecliptic; 6, d, cj in ribbon running 
west ; i, A, i9 , ^ in a square like the four corners 
of a house, 7 would make the peak or gable end, 
in the western Fish's eye. 

2. 8^ A'RI-ES (the Earn). In the 
horns find a, (3, y of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th mag- 
nitudes, and 6 in the tail. 

3. np$ TAU'RUS (the Bull). In 
the face find a, ■&, A, 6, e, forming a triangle like 
a V or A, and called Hyades ; a and e the Bull's 
eyes. Both sides of the triangle extended would 
meet (3, £ in the ends of the horns. Pleiades 
(Pk-ya-dez), or seven stars, in the back of the 
neck, named after the seven daughters of Atlas, 
7j Al-cy'o-ne, Merope, Maia, Electra, Tayeta, 
Sterope, and Celena. Merope married a mortal, 
so she is dim among her sisters. 

I have a telescope, cased and rest or supporter, 
so small as all to go into my pocket; but it will 
show me 40 stars more plainly than I can count 
6 in the Plei'a-des with my unassisted eye; and 
which I can afford to sell or I have one 

a little larger, that shows me 60 stars in the 
Plei'a-des ; the stars in the Milky Way as thick as 
the beard stands on my face, and as distinctly 
separate as after shaving; Mercury, horned like 
the Moon at six days old; Venus, about the size 
of the Moon at ten days old ; Jupiter's belts and 
four moons ; Saturn's ring and moons, — good 
enough for any of my classes in Astronomv, — 
that I will sell for $50. 

4. 25 ftj GEM'I-NI (the Tivins). In 
the heads find a, 3 ; e, £ A near the knees ; 77, /z, 
v, y, £ near their feet ; in three lines nearly par- 
allel, a, c, p; and (3, 6, £, y nearly parallel lines. 

5. a**fg CAN'CER (the Crab). The 
stars all small, but can bo found by the Plani- 
sphere. Making a triangle with y and 6 is e, 
looking something like a distant comet; but 
when seen through my $25 telescope, we sec stars 
as thick as bees around the hive. It is called the 
Bee Hive. 

6. *%<$$ LE'O (the Lion). In the 
fore-shoulder, a and 77 make the handle of 77, y, £ 
fx, t, A, the blade of the Sickle; 3, E, 6, ■& make 
a large parallelogram. 



7. -= g? VIR'GO (the Virgin). In 
the sheaf of wheat a ; #, 7, 77 on the left side and 
shoulder; 3, v in the head; z, 1 in the lower 
part of her skirt; p., ip, A, k in and near her 
feet. Look them out on the painted Planis- 
phere ; and then take the black or natural one, 
to see how they look on the sky. 

8- "I A LP BRA (the Scales). Find 
a > & y, k, which make nearly a square. 

9. fK0 SCOR'PI-0 (the Scorpion), 
v, j3, 6, 7T, p form the curve, with g the body of a 
bow-kite, a, t, e, p, £ 77, ■&, n, A, v the bobs: well 
worth looking up. 

10. V? J* SAG-IT-TA'RI-US (the 
Archer), ip, a, r, C, make the bowl of an inverted 
dipper ; A, a make the handle in the Milky Way: 
called the Milk Dipper. 

11. zg^fa CAPRI-COR-NUS (the 
Goat), a, (3 m the horn ; 7, 6 in the tail. 

12. X ^ A-QUA'RI-US (the Water- 
Bearer). 77, £ 7, 7T in the urn make a Y. 

The Ecliptic is divided into 12 signs: count 
30° in each. Bring any minute Ave want to look 
at the sky to the day of the month. Inside the 
horizon see six of them ; note their position ; 
and go out and see them just as represented, by 
holding east towards the east horizon, south 
towards the south, with all the other points of 
the compass to correspond, the zenith overhead. 
Thus can six of the twelve signs be traced out 
on the clear sky. 



THE CONSTELLATIONS. 

PEG'A-SUS (the Winged Horse), a, (3, y, 
with a Ai'phe-ratz, make the Square or Table; £ 
a, with a in head of AN-DROM'E-DA, 6, (3, y 
a lipe of beatiful stars diagonally across the 
Square; e, <5, 7T near the breast; (3, p, v, called 
the Girdle; 7 in left foot; v in right foot ; a,y, 
on the first meridian, point out the vernal equi- 
nox, about as far below as they are apart. . 

CAS-SI-OPE'IA. a, j3, y form a triangle; 
7, 6, £ make another, — the two a W; a, 8 the 
feet ; 7, k the seat ; 6, e the back of the chair. 
Turn the horizon all around, being sure to keep 
the north always down towards the north hori- 
zon, the North Pole up, with the eye fixed upon 
the Chair as it revolves around the North Pole. 
Seen sometimes right side up, lying down on its 
back, upside down, feet up, and back down, and 
thrown down, with the back of the Chair up. 
Try it, as a beautiful puzzle for a scientific even- 
ing's entertainment. At any day outside find 
the hour and minute it will be in that position. 

CE'PIIE-US, king of Ethiopia, husband to 
Cassiopeia, father of Andromeda, father-in-law 
of Perseus, make the Royal Family, a, 3, y, 1 
form a large diamond ; 6, e, £ a little triangle in 
the crown and Milky Way. 

PER'SE-US with Ca'put Me-du'sa. 77, y, a, 
o", c, p., A look like a J or skate-runner; (3 i> vari- 
able, it sometimes gets as small as p alongside 



\ 



CONSTELLATIONS. 



it, and returns to second magnitude in 3 h hours. 
Well worth looking up, and watching to see the 
chancre. 

UR'SA MA'JOR (the Great Bear), a, 8, 
the two hind wheels of the wagon, point towards 
the Polar Star; y, 6 the fore wheels; e, £ 
r] the three horses; called the Dipper, Butcher's 
Cleaver Ladle, Frying-Pan, Plough, Broad Axe, 
Bier and Three Mourners, — some call them the 
Great Bear, not taking into consideration the 
other stars, a, (3 are called the Pointers, because 
they point one way toward the North Pole; they 
point the other Avay toward the two stai-s v, £ in 
the hindermost hind paw ; fi, X in the foremost 
hind paw; k, i in the fore paw, — three pairs of 
stars in a line. #, \p, v, h, o, curving in fore-leg, 
shoulder, neck, and head. Pind them all, then 
look them out on the black Planisphere, that 
looks so natural, like the sky. When all are 
seen on the sky, and the very great space they 
occupy observed, we will not be disappointed that 
the word great was used, for he occupies a great 
space on the face of the heavens. It will astonish 
any one when first they find out how many 
different positions he is in daring the year. By 
the Planisphere, it may be as easily as it is pleas- 
antly shown. Suppose we wish to look him up 
on the 4th of July, 9 o'clock; we then bring 9 
o'clock on the movable horizon to July 4th on 
the Planisphere. Ursa Major will be seen half 
way between the northwest and zenith, running 
toward the northwest, with his tail up. Run- 
ning down hill, the handle of the Dipper towards 
the zenith. By the middle of August, he will 
have made a very great change. Bring 9 o'clock 
to the 15th of August; see the paws a little 
above, and nearly parallel to the northwestern 
horizon. On Christmas night, he will appear 
reversed. Bring 9 o'clock evening to December 
25th, and find the paws not parallel, but nearly 
perpendicular to the horizon. The Bear not 
running down, but up, while the handle of the 
Dipper will not be up but down. Bring 9 o'clock 
j evening to the 15 th of April, and find his hind 
paws nearly overhead. 

UR'SA "Ml'NOR (the Little Bear), a Polaris, 
or North Pole Star, in the end of the Little 
Bear's tail, is 1° 22' 4" from the Pole (or centre 
of the rivet) toward Cassiopeia. In the fore- 
shoulder find 8, y; near his hind quarter find 
C, V '• the last four make the bowl of the Little 
Dipper; e, 6, a in the handle make the Butcher's 
Little Cleaver, Little Ladle, Little Frying-Pan, &c. 
The Pointers point out the Pole Star. Between 
it and the tail of the Great Bear will always be 
the Little Dipper. The Pole Star, (3, a, y beau- 
tifully mark out the first meridian, the line from 
which Right Ascension begins. Look them up. 

AQUILA,^lc'we-/a (the Eagle), flying across 
the Milky Way, a, (3, y in the neck, in a row. 
No other three such stars, e, Cin the tail; p., 6 
in the wing. 

TAU-RUS PO-NI-A'TOW-SKI. 1c, n, o, p 
in the face like a V, very near where the winter 
solstitial colm*e crosses the Equinoctial. 

DEL-PHI'NUS (the Dolphin), a, (3, y, (5, in 
the head, form a diamond called Job's Coffin; e 
in the tail. 

LY'RA (the Harp), a, e, £ a small equilat- 
eral triangle, about as far on one side of the 



Milkv Way as the Dolphin is on the other side. 

CYG'NUS (the Swan), with outspread wings, 
flying down the Milky Way. a, in the feet, is 
the top; (3, in the head, the bottom or foot; y, in 
the body, the centre ; 6, in the wing, one side ; e, 
in the other wing, the other side of a large cross, 
lying along the Milky Way. The Southern Cross, 
and those stars we cannot see in the United 
States, look for in the circle on the movable 
horizon. 

AU-RI'GA (the Wagoner), a, {3,y a triangle ; 
a, 8, ■& a triangle; e, £ rj, Three Kids, a triangle ; 
a, ■&, i, a triangle ; four small triangles make one 
large one, 6, 13, # one side, 6, a, Three Kids, and. 
i the other side of the large triangle. 

O'RI-ON. a in right shoulder, y in left; 2, in 
head; 6, e, Cin waist, bands, three kings, yard; 77 
in knee; c, c, v in the sword ; k in skirt; 77, t, k 
English Ell; (3 in left foot ; y, c, -r, q, r, z in shield. 

LE'PUS (the Hare), a, (3, y, 6 look like a 
small parallelogram. 

CA'NIS MA'JOR (the Great Dog), a in the 
nose, the brightest fixed star seen in latitude 40° 
north; (3, Cin the fore-paws; 6, e, n, triangle. 

CA'NIS Ml'NOR (the Little Dog), a, (3. 

RY'DRA (the Water Serpent). By the 
painted Planisphere, bring his nose setting in 
the west, while his tail will not yet be up to the 
meridian. It is 6^- hours crossing the meridian. 
Look at any day outside, and see the hour and 
minute that will be the position of the stars on 
the sky. When learned, bring any minute to 
any day desired. The student may easily trace 
it out: 6, €, £ 77 in the head; #, neck; a, heart; 
k, A, (i, v. Stars in the Cup, a, {3, c5, y, £ p, 77, 1, 
$ ; then £ 8. Next the CRO W: a, j3,- y, 6 form 
a large conspicuous trapezium; then ip, y, u, 7r. 
Look them up on the black Planisphere and sky. 

CO'MA BERE-NI'CES. Stars are ail 
small, reminding us of the Milky Way. 

BO-O'TES. a in the knee; 77, r, ufoot; £, o, 
re, £ in right leg and foot; e, p waist; (3 head; 
y left shoulder; 6 right shoulder. Look them 
all out on the black Planisphere, a figure 2. 

CO-RO'NA (the Northern Crown). &, (3, a, 
y, 6, e in a semi-circle, or the curve; 6 in 
Bootes, the end of the handle of a Sickle. 

OPH-I-U'CHUS (the Serpent Bearer), a in 
the head; 8, y on the right shoulder. The Ser- 
pent is beautifully marked out by stars 3, y, x, l > 
p, making an hour-glass, or X, in the head; <5, 
k, a, e, [i, 6, e, $, 77, v, £, v, 77, •&. 

HER'CU-LES. a in head ; 3, y right shoul- 
der ; h, n arm and hand ; 6, X, [l, fj in left arm ; 
in hand ; $, e in waist ; u the star toward Avhich 
the Sun is said to be moving; tt, e, p left leg; 
77, a, r right leg; 1, k left foot over the head of 

DRA'CO (the Dragon), fi in nose ; 3, y head ; 
£, v lower jaw. ?r, r, x 2nd coil. $, 77 3rd coil. 
#, t. a 4th coil, i, k, A. 



The Movable Planisphere is to Astrono- 
my the same as a Map is to Geography, or to 
the clear sky what the Directory is to a City. It 
is the size of a 10-inch Celestial Globe, and as 
much better as it is cheaper. Of two kinds ; one 
beautifully painted, the other as much like the 
sky as possible : Stars white on a deep blue-black 
ground. Both make a complete set. Sold or 
sent by mail on receipt of $6. 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



To determine on any given day wJien the Star 
will rise. 

Rule 1. Bring the eastern horizon to the cen- 
tre of the given Star. At the given day, on the 
circumference of the Planisphere, may be seen 
on the movable horizon the time when the Star 
is rising-. 

When will Reg'u-lus rise Jan. 10th ? ans. 
8 o'clock, evening. 

When will An-ta'res rise May 6th ? ans. 
4 minutes after 9 o'clock, evening. 

When will Al-deb'a-ran rise Sept. 22nd? 
ans. 9^- o'clock, evening. 

To determine on any given day when a Star will 
set. 

Rule 2. Bring the western horizon to the cen- 
tre of the Star. At the given day, on the cir- 
cumference of the Planisphere, may be seen on 
the movable horizon the time when the Star 
will set. 

When will Al-deb'a-ran set on the 27th of 
April? ans. 9 o'clock, evening. 

When will Reg'u-lus set on the 4th of July % 
ans. 10 minutes before 10 o'clock, evening. 

When will An-ta'rcs set on the 28th of Aug.? 
ans. lOh. 9m., evening. 

To determine on any given day when a Star will 
arrive at the Meridian. 

Rule 3. Bring the graduated Meridian to the 
centre of the Star. At the given day, on the 
circumference of the Planisphere, may be seen 
on the movable horizon. the time the Star will 
arrive at the Meridian. 

When will Al-deb'a-ran arrive at the Meridi- 
an Feb. 11th? ans. 7 o'clock, evening. 

When will Reg'u-lus south on the 17th of 
March? ans. 20 minutes past 10 o'clock in 
the evening. 

When will An-ta'res come to the Meridian, 
or south, on the 2Gth of June? ans. 10 
o'clock, evening. 

The day of the month, the hour, and minutebeing 
given, tojind the Stars rising, setting, on the Me- 
ridian, or in any other part of the firmament. 

Rule 4. Bring the given hour and minute on 
the circumference of the movable horizon to the 
given day of the month on the circumference of 
the Planisphere; hold the Zenith overhead, with 
South horizon toward the South, North toward 
the North, East toward the East, West toward 
the West. On the Planisphere read the names 
of the Constellations and chief stars, each in its 
proper position, — the stars rising in the East, 
ti.ose setting in the West horizon; by which 
simple arrangement can be seen the stars in any 
part of the sky, at all times sufficiently accurate 
for most practical purposes. 

What Constellations will be on the Meridian. 
Feb. 10th, 8 o'clock, evening? ans. Dove, 
Hare, Orion, Cam'el-o-pard, Little Bear, and 
Drasron, and Wagoner in the Zenith. 

What important line will be on the Meridian 
at 10 o'cloek, Oct. 21st? ans. the First 
Meridian, marked out by the four prominent 
stars, Al'ge-nib, Al'phe-ratz, Caph, and North 
Polar Star. Find them on the Planispheres. 



What star will rise near the northeast at 9 
o'clock, evening, October 24th? ans. Cas'tor, 
in the Twins. 

What star will be setting near west-northwest 
at 10 o'clock, evening, April 11th? ans. Al- 
deb'a-ran. 

When does "A-ri-c'tes south at lOh. lm. after- 
noon?" ans. Nov. 20th. 

To determine the time of rising or setting of (lie 
Sun on any day. 

Rule 5. Bring the Eastern horizon, if rising, 
or the Western horizon, if setting, to the given 
day of the month marked on the Ecliptic. At 
the same day on the circumference of the Plani- 
sphere is the time, on the circumference of the 
movable horizon. 

What time does the Sun rise, and set, on the 
10th of May, in latitude 40° North? an*. 
Sun rises 8 minutes before 5 o'clock in ihc morn- 
ing, and sets 2 minutes after 7 o'clock in the 
evening. 

What time will the Sun rise and set on the 
21st of June? ans. rises 4h. 35m., and sets 
7h 32m. What time will the Sun rise and set 
on the 22nd day of Dec? ans. rises 7h. 
25m., and sets 4h. 29m. 

To find the Azimuth and Amplitude of the Sun 
when rising or setting on any given day. 

Rule 6. If rising, bring the Eastern, or if set- 
ting, the Western horizon to the given day on 
the Ecliptic; note the points of the compass, 
and count on the horizon the degrees to the 
North or South for the Azimuth, and to the East 
or West for the Amplitude. At the same day, 
outside, may be read the minute at which either 
occurs. 

What is the Sun's azimuth and amplitude 
when rising, or setting, on the 10th of May? 
ans. azimuth 67°, amplitude 23°. 

What is his azimuth and amplitude when 
rising, or setting, on the 21st of June? ans. 
azimuth 58°, amplitude 32°. 

What is his azimuth and amplitude when 
rising, or setting, on the 22nd of Dec? ans. 
azimuth 58°, amplitude 32°. 

Altitude Scale, by H. M. Pakkhurst. 

To find the Altitude or Zenith distance of a Star. 

Rule 7. Set the horizon for the given day 
and hour. Lay a straightedge on the zenith 
passing through the Star, and cutting the hori- 
zon in two opposite points. Observe the point 
of tha compass toward the north, through which 
the line passes ; measuring from the Star to the 
horizon (or zenith), we have the altitude (or 
zenith distance respectively) to be taken from 
the Altitude Scale upon the line from the centre, 
marked ' Star,' toward the point of the compass 
already noted. 

What is the altitude of Spica June 16th, nt 
10 o'clock, evening? ans. 31°. 

What is the zenith distance of Dubhe at 9 
o'clock, May 26th? ans. 32°. 

What is the altitude of Deneb at 1 1 o'clock, 
evening, April 20th ? ans. 15°. 

What is the zenith distance of Arcturus May 
29th, at 9 o'clock, evening? ans. 25°. 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



When or where can Mercury be seen ? Only 
j at or near its greatest elongation. 

Rule 8. Find* in the Almanac the gr. Elong. 
Then find on the Ecliptic, on the Planisphere, 
the same day (the Sun's place at noon); from that 
day count the number of degrees on the Ecliptic 
to the place of Mercury on the Planisphere. East, 
if evening star ; West, if morning star. By Rule 5 
see the position at sunrise or sunset. By Rule 7 
find its altitude. May 14th, g gr. elong. E, 2lO 
55' is 16O in the Bull, 21O high at sunset, two 
weeks, evening star. July 2nd £ gr. Elong. W. 
21O 39/ 19O i n the Bull 20O high at sunrise. 
Mercury, Venus and the Moon near together, a 
sight worth getting up at four o'clock to see. 

Schools and books have said much on Venus, 
Jupiter and the Flatlets, to see either on the sky? j 

Rule 9. Find in the almanac the time given 
planet will rise, south or set, which time also find 
on the circumference of the movable horizon, and 
bring it to the same day of the month found on 
the outer circle of the Planisphere, If rising, the 
place of the planet will be where the Eastern 
horizon meets the Ecliptic. If southing, where 
the Meridian meets the Ecliptic. If setting, where 
the Western horizon meet the Ecliptic. Jan. 14th 
"Jupiter sets 5I1. 18m." Morning 25O in the Bull. 
"Venus rises 3b. 13m. morning" July 6th, 22O 
in the Bull. Dec. 2nd, "Venus sets 5I1. 40m. 
afternoon." 30O in the Scorpiot 

To find the Moods place in the Zodiac three 
•ways any given day. 

Pojle 10. Find in the almanac four columns; 
the Moon rises or sets or smths, can be found by 
Rule 9. Moon's constellations in one column, 
and in the other, the degrees. Find on the Planis- 
phere the Ecliptic, and the constellation, then 
count in it the given number of degrees for the 
Moon's place at noon. Jan. 24th, Moon souths 
51m. past midnight 14C in the Crab. At noon 21- 
in the Crab. Rising 6h. 54m., 24° in the Crab. 

Given in the almanac: Conjunction, or near 
together, <$ o° apart; Quadrature, □ po°; oppo- 
sition, § iSoOfrom the Sun, Q / to locate either 
on the Ptanisphere or sky. 

Rule. ii. Find the day of the month on the 
Ecliptic (Sun's place), from which count the 
number of degrees to the planet's place, on the 
Planisphere, then see it in the sky. July 3rd, 
"6* 5 ? " 19° in the Bull. Feb. 8th, «n \ O" 
Sun 19O in the Goat, Saturn 19O in the Ram. 



Nov. 2Sth, " $ I2 " Sun 70 in the Scorpio.i, 
Saturn 7O in the Bull, 

A noted College of much fame has three Tel- 
escopes, one serviceable cost 31500.00, another 
more serviceable, costing £900.00, the "most 
serviceable," only #50.00. Bought of Henry 
VVhitall, Phillipsburg, N. J. 

The $50.00 Telescope shows the Sun on the 
floor a circle two or three feet diameter and the 
transit of Venus to pass over its disk a dark ball, 
also the Sun spots. 

H. T. B. Tarr, Prof, of Astronomy, Georgetown 
College, D.C., writes me Sept. 21st, 1882. "The 
Telescope which you had with' you is one of the 
finest and most desirable instruments I have ever 
seen. The definition is especially remarkable, all 
that could be desired for viewing the heavens. Our 
visit to the observatory proved that it was much 
better for viewing the spots on the Sun, than our 
own large Telescope" costing $4000.00. 

James E. Underhill and John C. Gove went 
with me 8th mo. 21st to the U. S. Observatory, 
after seeing through their $6000.00 Telescope I 
showed them my $50.00 Telescope, when they 
exclaimed "why this is better than the large one." 

Isaac T. Gibson and Anna M. Gibson, 8th mo. 
28 h, 1882, saw through U. S. $6000.00 Telescope 
and my $50 00 Telescope, write me " expressing 
surprise at being able to see the surface and scenery 
of the Moon, much more distinctly and satisfac- 
torily, than by the Government Telescope." 

I. Cuthbert She cut, Principal Houghton Insti- 
tute, Augusta, Ga. says he prefers my Telescope 
for the use of classes. It shows the planets and 
stars equally as well as a $1000.00 Telescope, and 
is more conveniently handled than any he has 
ever seen. 

Mr. Beall of Frost burg, Md , sent me Post Office 
order $50.00. I sent him Telescope which he 
gave to his wife who writes me, " we are delighted 
with your Telescope, at Davis' Rock, from there 
we could see the hands on the town clock in Cum- 
berland, a distance of ten miles in an air line and 
the atmosphere not very favorable, the face of the 
clock was in an oblique position to our vision or 
we could have told the time of day.'' 
A celestial planisphere 

Illustrating the precession of the Equinoxes 
and the motion of the Apsides, by which the most 
obstruse subjects of the science are demonstrated 
to the eye, and rendered easy of apprehension, the 
motions in right ascension and declination to the 
stars. Equinoctial revolution of about 25 000 
years, the motion of the Apsides in the opposite 
direction, causing the Winter Solstice to meet 
alternately in the North and South in about 1 1000 
years, bring about excessive cooling of the earth 
in different places, changes in the eccentricity, 
cause glacial epochs, with tables and explanations, 
dates of the great glaciation; the age of the "drift," 
an invaluable object lesson to all who want more 
truths in Astronomical Science. Subscription 
price $10.00 

Henry Whitall, Phillipsburg, N. J. 



8 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



To find the time twilight will hegin or end for any 
given day in the year. 

Rule 12. Bring: the twilight line to the given 
day on the Ecliptic ; at the same day, outside, 
read the minute it will begin or end. 

When will twilight end Jan. 1st? Ans. 6h. 
23m., evening. When Feb. 22nd? Ans. 7h. 
14m., evening. When May 20th? Ans. 9h. 
8m., evening. When July 4th? Ans. 9h. 32m., 
evening. 

To find the duration of Twilight. 

Rule 13. By Rule 5, find the time the Sun 
will rise or set; by Rule 12, find the time twi- 
light will begin or end. The duration of twilight 
in the morning is from twilight begins to sun- 
rise; and, evening, from sunset to twilight ends. 

What is the duration of twilight March 20th ? 
Ans. About l-£ hours. What is the duration 
of twilight June 21st? Ans. About 2h. 10m. 

To determine the course and position of the Milky 
Way at any given time. 

Rule 14. Bring the given minute on the cir- 
cumference of the movable horizon to the given 
day on the circumference of the Planisphere. 
The points of the horizon and graduated Me- 
ridian over the Milky Way will indicate its 
course and position. 

What is the position of the Milky Way 14m. 
past 9 o'clock, evening, Jan. 1st? Ans. Erom 
S.E., in Zenith, to N.W. What is the course 
and position of the Milky Way at 10- o'clock, 
evening, Sept. 6th? Ans. Erom N. E., in Ze- 
nith, to S.W. What is the position of the 
Milky Way 8h. 21m., evening, Nov. 25th ? Ans. 
Erom East, in 60° North Declination to West 
horizon. What is the position of the Milky 
Way at 10 o'clock, on the 2nd of May? Ans. 
So near the East, Wgst, and North horizon as 
not to be seen. 
Consider B 
the Vernal E- 
quinox, A the 
Autumnal E- 
quinox, C the 
North Pole. B, 
D,E,E,A, 180° 
of the Equinoc- 
tial; 180° more 
will complete 
the circle of i ^~ 
360°. C B will then represent the first meridi- 
an, where the ri^ht ascension begins. C D, 
C E, C E, C A, the meridian that may as easily 
be moved to any other place to mark the right 
ascension of any heavenly body. 

To find the Right Ascension and Declination of a 
heavenly body. 

Rule 15. Bring the meridian to the centre of 
the star. Where it meets the equinoctial, read 
the degrees of Right Ascension ; at the arrow out- 
side, near March 22nd, read the hours and min- 
utes of Right AscensioQ. Over the star, on the 
meridian, read th-j Decimation. 

What is the right ascension and declination 
of j3 Algol, the variable star in Medusa's head? 
Ans. 45®, or three hours right ascension, 40° 
north declination. What is the right ascension 
and declination of Eomalhaut? Ans. 242|°, 
or 22h. 51m. right ascension; declination, 30^° 
south. 



KIDDLES ASTRONOMY. 

Fig. 7. 




To find the Declination and Right Ascension of 
the Sun any day in the year. 

Rule 16. Bring the Meridian to the given 
day on the Ecliptic ; over it, or* the Meridian, 
read the Declination. Where the Meridian meets 
the Equinoctial, read the degrees; and at the 
arrow by March 22nd, outside, read the hours 
and minutes of Right Ascension. 

What is the right ascension and declination 
of the Sun March 20th? Ans. 0». What 
June 21st? Ans. 90°, or 6h. right ascension, 
23° 27' north declination. What Dec. 21st? 
Ans. 270°, or 18h. right ascensioD, 23° 27' 
south declination. 

Equation of Time. 

The Planisphere will illustrate each cause sepa- 
rately, as well as combine both causes, and show 
the Sun fast or slow tor any day. If this were 
its only use, when rightly understood, all classes 
of Astronomy would use it when they want to 
thoroughly understand Equation of Time. 

The Equation of Time, when the unequal motion 
of the Earth only is considered. 

Rule 17. Eind July on the Ecliptic of the 
Plamsphere, lay a straight piece of paper on 
July 1st, and make a mark, and another at July 
10th, another at July 20th, another at July 31st. 
Lay first mark at Jan. 1st, on the Ecliptic, make 
a mark at Jan. 10th, another at Jan. 20th, and 
another at Jan. 31st. It is remarkable how 
nearly it will compare with the works on As- 
tronomy having a figure showing that the Radius 
Vector describes equal areas in equal times. 

More accurately by II. M. Parkhurst. 

Rule 18. By Rule 16, find the right ascen- 
sion of the Sun July 1st and 31st So compare 
the motion of the Sun in right ascension for 
July, and see how much farther the Sun moves 
in Jan.; or so compare any other equal number 
of days. 

To determine the Equation of Time on any given 
day, the obliquity of the Ecliptic only consMered. 

Rule 19. Bring the graduated Meridian to 
the given day on the Ecliptic ; the degree, count- 
ed from the Vernal Equinox, will indicate the 
longitude of the Sun. At the same time it will 
indicate on the Equinoctial his right ascension ; 
the difference of right ascension and longitude 
is the Equation of Time. If the longitude is 
greater than right ascension, the Sun is fast, and 
if it is less, the Sun is slow, four minutes to a 
degree. 

Is the Sun fast or slow on the 21th of May? 
Ans. 2° difference, or 8 minutes fast. What is 
the Equation of Time June 21st? Ans. 0. 
Longitude and right ascension of the Sun agree. 
What is the equation of time July 31 ? Ans. 
10 minutes slow. 

Equation of Time: to find how much the Sun is 
fast or slow, both causes combined. % 

Rule 20. Bring the Meridian to the given 
day on the Ecliptic; at the same day on the 
outer circle will be the time the Sun is on the 
Meridian; if before 12 o'clock, the Sun is fast, 
if after 12 o'clock, the Sun is slow. 

Bring the Meridian to Nov. 10th, on the Eclip- 
tic; at that date, outside, will be found llh. 
44m., the Sun being 16 minutes fast. 

Is the Sun fast or slow on the 31st of Oct.? 
Ans. East, 16 minutes. 



r 



PROBLEMS FOll THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



Is the Sun fast or slew on the 24th of Dec? 
Ans. Neither. Is the Sun fast or slow on the 
31st of Jan.? Ans. Slow, 1-1 minutes. 

To convert Mean Clock Time into Siderial Clock 
Time. 

Rule 21. Bring the given Mean Clock Time 
on the circumference of the movable horizon to 
the given day on the circumference of the Plani- 
sphere ; the minute at the point of the arrow, 
on the circumference of the movable horizon, 
will indicate true Siderial Time. 

At 33 minutes past 9 o'clock p.m. on the 4th 
of July, what is the siderial clock time? Ans. 
lGh. 25-^-m. At one minute past 11 o'clock p.m., 
Sept.- 1 8th, what is the siderial clock time? Ans. 
22!t. 53m. 10s. 

To convert Siderial Clock Time into Mean Clock 
Time. 

Rule 22. Bring the Siderial Clock Time to the 
arrow at March 22, outside ; at the day of the 
month, read the Mean Clock Time on the mov- 
able horizon. When the siderial clock is 19h. 
44m. 35s., Altair will be on the Meridian ; what 
will be i he Mean Clock Time? Ans. Aug. 10th, 
lOh. 26m. When the siderial clock is 22h. 
50m. 37s., Fomalhaut will be on the Meridian, 
its right ascension : what is the clock time ? 
Ans. 9h. 12m. on the 15th of Oct. 

To find the difference between a Siderial and a 
Solar Day. 

Rule 23. Bring the graduated Meridian to 
any given day on the Ecliptic. From the same 
day, outside, count the number of minutes to 
the next day for the difference between a Siderial 
and a Solar- Day. 

What is the difference of time between the 
siderial and solar day Oct. 14th? Ans. Nearly 
4 minutes. Try any other day for the same 
answer. 

To find the length of any given day. 

Rule 24. Bring the western horizon to the 
given day §n the Ecliptic ; the minute on the cir- 
cumference of the movable horizon, at the same 
given day on the circumference of the Plani- 
sphere, is the time the Sun will set, which time 
if doubled is the required length of the day. 

If greater accuracy is required, add to the 
time of sunset the equation of time, if the Sun 
is fast, or subtract it if the Sun is slow, before 
doubling. 

What is the length of the 21st of June ? Ans. 
15h. 8m. What is the length of Oct. 30th? 
Ans. The Sun sets at 5h. 0m.; adding 16m., 
the equation of time, and then doubling, the 
dav's length is lOh. 32m. What is the length 
of "Feb. 14th? Ans. The Sun sets at 5h. 31m. 
Subtract 14m., and then doubling, the day's 
length is lOh. 34m. 

To tell the length of a Siderial Day. 

Rule 25. Bring the Meridian to the centre 
of a Star, and note the time. Turn the horizon 
until the Star sets, and rises, and comes on the 
Meridian again. Xotc the time for a Siderial 
day, the revolution of the Sun upon its axis. 

To find the length of a Solar Day, or from the 
Sun crossing the Meridian any day to crossing it 
the next day. 

Rule 26. Bring the graduated Meridian to 
the day of the month on the Ecliptic ; at the 
same day, outside, sec the time on the circum- 



ference of the movable horizon. Then turn tl 
western horizon up to the day of the month, an 
bring it to the eastern horizon, when it will rcj 
resent the next morn ; and bring the next da 
to the Meridian, and see at the second day o 
the movable horizon the time the Sun comes t 
the Meridian, the time of the Sun's being o 
the Meridian two successive davs. 

To find the length of a Lunar Day. 

Rule 27. By Rule 10th, locate the Moon ot 
any day. Then bring the Moon's place on thi 
Ecliptic to the Meridian; at the same day, out 
side, note the time on the circumference of th< 
movable horizon. Bring the Moon setting, anc 
by Rule 10th locate the Moon for the next day 
and bring its place onto the Meridian, at wirier, 
day, outside, on the movable horizon, note thti 
time for a Lunar Day to us. 

When the Sun runs highest in Summer, the full 
Moon runs loicest. 

Rule 28. Bring near the X.W. by W. part of 
the movable horizon to June 21st on the Eclip- 
tic for the Sun setting at his most northern dec- 
lination. Should the Moon full on that day, 
she will be seen rising near the S.E. by E. hori- 
zon at her greatest southern declination. To 
make this practical, sec in the almanac when the 
Moon fulls nearest June 21st, and by Rule 10 
locate the Moon, and bring the day of the month 
on the Ecliptic to the western horizon, and sec 
how low the full Moon's place is. Thus June 
10, 1S73, the Moon fulls; at noon she is 18° in 
the Scorpion. It will be seen that while the 
Sun is setting near the 3SLW. by W., the 18° of 
Scorpio will be rising near the S.E. byE. 

When the Sun runs loicest in Winter, the full 
Moon runs highest. 

Rule 20. Bring the S.W. by W. horizon to 
Dec. 21st on the Ecliptic for the Sun setting at 
his greatest southern declination. Should the 
Moon full on that day. she will be seen rising 
near the N.E'. by E. at her greatest northern dec- 
lination. Look in the almanac, and see when 
the Moon fulls nearest Dec. 21st, and by Rule 
10 find the Moon's place, then apply this rule. 

Dec. 14, 1872, the Moon full, and was at noon 
21° in the Dull. While the Sun sets near the 
S.W. bv W., sec 21° in the Bull rising near the 
K.E.by E. 

To find the Azimuth and Amplitude of a Star 
when rising or setting any given day in latitude 40° 
North. 

Rule 30. Find the given Star on the Plani- 
sphere. Bring the eastern horizon, if for rising, 
or the western horizon, if for setting, to the 
given Star. Count the. number of degrees be- 
tween the Star and south or north horizon for 
Azimuth. The degrees between the Star and 
east or west will be the Amplitude. Read the 
time it will occur at the day of the month out- 
side. 

When will Sirius, the Dog Star, rise, set, and 
what is its azimuth and amplitude when rising 
or setting? Ans. Rises at 9 o'clock, Nov. 29th, 
and sets at 9 o'clock, evening, May 1st; azi- 
muth 67|-°, amplitude 22^-°. When will Arctu- 
rus rise and set, and what is its azimuth and 
amplitude when rising and setting ? Ans. Rises 
9 o'clock, Feb. 20th, and sets at 9 o'clock, even- 
ing, Sept. 24th ; azimuth 65°, amplitude 25°. 



10 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



ATm. "Wiley of Detroit, Mich., very acceptably 
proposes 

1 o obtain the correct Vertical Line for every ten 
degrees of Azimuth. 

Rule 31. The Meridian is a straight line. 
Ten degrees on cither side the Vertical Line will 
be the arc of a circle whose radius is 11.38 inch- 
es, which arc lay on the Zenith and ten degrees 
Azimuth, and the space between divide into 90° 
for Altitude or Zenith Distance. For 20° Azi- 
muth the radius will be 7. 05 inches; for 30°, 
G.25 inches; for 40°, 5.55 inches; for 45°, 5.45 
inches; for 50°, 5.37 inches; for 60°, 5.25 inch- 
es; for 70°, 5.15 inches; for 80°, 5.02 inches; 
for 90°, Prime Vertical, 5 inches, — with the con- 
cavity always towards the North. 

To tell the minute in the day the Sun will be due 
East, West, Southeast, or Southwest at any place 
in or near Latitude 40? North. 

Rule 32. Lav the appropriate arc by Itulc 
31 on 40° North Declination and the desired 
point of the compass. Turn the horizon until 
the arc meets the desired day on the Ecliptic. 
At the same day, outside, read the minute the 
Sun will be seen in that point of the compass of 
the horizon. 

When will the Sun be due east in New York 
June 21st ? Ans. 8h. 7m., morning. When 
will the Sun be southeast in New York June 
21st? Ans. lOh. 45m., morning. When will 
the Sun be seen Southwest in Philadelphia Dec. 
21st? Ans. 3h. 30m., afternoon. 

To find the Azimuth, Amplitude, Zenith Dis- 
tance, Vertical Circle of the Sun, Moon, Stais, or 
Planets at any given time. 

Hulk 33. The Sun's place is where the day 
of the month is on the Ecliptic. The iixed Stars 
are marked on the Planisphere. The Planets 
may be located by the almanac and Problems 
8th or 9th. Bring the given time to the day of 
i the month. Lay the proper arc by Rule 31 on 
j the Zenith to pass through the Star, Sun, or 
Planet's place to meet the Horizon lor the Verti- 
cal Arc Count the degrees on the Horizon from 
the North or South to the Vertical Arc for the 
Azimuth. From the East or West to the Verti- 
cal Arc for the Amplitude. 

Find the Altitude and Zenith Distance by Rule 7. 

What is the azimuth, amplitude, zenith dis- 
tance, and altitude of the Sun at 10 o'clock on 
the morning of June 21st. Ans. Azimuth, 62°, 
amplitude 28°, zenith distance 30°, altitude 60°. 

To find when the Sun ivill shine on the North 
side of a House when he rises or sets, and at noon 
shine on the South side. 

Rule 34. Our position is under the Zenith; 
the latitude counted on the Meridian whence we 
look. Should it he at or near 40° North, find 
on the Ecliptic the day ot the month (the Sun's 
place at noon), and bring it to the East horizon 
for rising, or West horizon for setting. If North 
of East or West, the Sun will shine on the 
North side of the House, or if South, on the 
South side. Then bring the Meridian to the 
day of the month on the Ecliptic, when above 
24° North latitude, the Sun will be South, and 
shine on the South side of the House. 

To find how long the Sun will shine on the North 
side of the House on any given day, and how long 
on the South side. 



Pule 35. Lay the Prime Vortical, obtained by 
Pule 31, on the Zenith and East for after sun-ris- 
ing, or West for before sun-setting. The Sun will 
shine on the North side of the House from rising 
to the Prime Vertical, and shine on the South 
side until he arrives at the western Prime Verti- 
cal, then on the North side until setting. 

How long will the Sun shine on the north 
side, and how long on the south side of a house 
on Jan. 21st, whose sides arc placed to range on 
the cardinal points? Ans. 3h. 33m. in the 
morning; shines on the sou;h side 8h. 8m.; and 
on the north side 3h. 33m. in the evening; 7h. 
6m. on north side; 8h. 8m. on south side; the 
day 15h. 14m. long. 

To determine the place of a heavenly body on the 
Planisphere at any given time, the Right Ascension 
and Declination being given. 

Rule 36. Bring the given time of Right 
Ascension, found on the outer circumference of 
the movable horizon, to the arrow, at March 
22nd, outside. At the graduated meridian on 
the Equinoctial will be the degrees of Right 
Ascension. From that point count the number 
of degrees of Declination of the object on this 
Meridian ; that number will indicate its place on 
the Planisphere. 

Where is the Sun's place on the Planisphere, 
— his right ascension, declination, longitude, and 
latitude being 0? Ans. At the vernal equinox, 
o'r first point Pisces (one eign from Aries), where 
they all begin. Where is the place of Fomal- 
haut on the Planisphere, — the right ascension 
being 22h. 50m. 37s., declination 30° 17' south? 
Ans. In the eye of the Southern Fish. What 
is the place of Saturn on the Planisphere on the 
4th of July, 1873, — the right ascension being 
20h. 11m. "51s., and declination 20° lb' south? 
Ans. 30° in the Archer. 

To convert Degrees of Right Ascension into Time. 

Rule 37. Find the given number of degrees 
of Right Ascension on the Eguinoctjgl, Bring 
the Graduated Meridian to that number; the 
arrow by March 22nd outside, will point to the 
minute of Time on the circumference of the 
movable horizon that corresponds to the given 
number of degrees. 

275° are how many hours and minutes of 
right ascension? Ans. lbh. 20m. 

To convert Time into Degrees of Right Ascension. 

Rule 38. Bring the given minute of '1 init on 
the circumference of the movable horizon to the 
arrow. The number of degrees of Right Ascen- 
sion, corresponding to this time, will be found 
where the Graduated Meridian crosses the Equi- 
noctial. 

The right ascension of Al-deb'a-ran is 4h.28m.; 
what is it in degrees? Ans. 67°. The ISight 
Ascension of Regulus is lOh. lm.; what is it in 
degrees? Ans. 150|°. Antares is ICh. 21m. 
right ascension; what is it in degrees? Ans. 

2 o determine the time when a true Meridian Line 
can be obtained on any given day. 

Rule 39. Bring l'h. 12m. afternoon to the 
arrow; the minute on the cireu inference of the 
movable horizon, at the given day on the gradu- 
ated circumference of the Planisphere, indicates 
the time when the North Star is in the position 
to indicate a True Meridian. In six hours from 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



11 



this time the North Star will he at its greatest 
western elongation. Six: hours later it will be 
on the Merit lion below the Polo. Six hours 
later it will be at its greatest elongation East. 

When can we get a meridian line on the 10th 
of May? Ans. 2m. before 10 o'clock, evening. 
"When can we get a meridian line on the 23rd 
of Nov? Ans. 9h. lm., evening. 

Given the Latitude of the Ship and Day of ike 
Month, to find the Meridian Altitude of the Sun. 

Rule 40. Find on the Meridian the degrees 
of Latitude of the place, and call it Zenith. 
Bring the Meridian to the given clay on the 
Ecliptic. Count the degrees between it and the 
Zenith for the Zenith distance, which taken from 
90° will be the Meridian Altitude. 

What is the Sun's meridian altitude to-day, 
Sept. 15th, at noon, in New York? Ans. 52£°. 
A ship at sea, G0° south latitude, on Christ- 
mas, wants to know the Sun's meridian altitude. 
Ans. 53^° above north horizon. A ship at sea, 
G0° north latitude, on Christinas, wants to know 
the Sun's meridian altitude. Ans. G^° above 
south horizon 

Given the Meridian Altitude of the Sun on any 
day, to find the Latitude of the Ship. 

Rule 41. Subtract the Altitude of the Sun, 
I when on the Meridian, from 90° for the Zenith 
| Distance. Bring the Meridian to the given day 
i on the Ecliptic, from which count the Zenith 
! Distance to the Latitude of the place. 

The meridian altitude of the Sun July 4th is 
{ 72}° : what is the place ? Ans. New York, or 
I latitude 40^- north, if seen above the south; or 
j 5^- north latitude, if seen above the north horizon. 
A ship at sea measures the meridian altitude 
i of the Sun 30° on Feb. 22nd: what is the ship's 
| latitude? Ans. If above north horizon, the 
j ship is 70° south; if above the south, 50° north 
j latitude. 

Given the Latitude of a place in the Torrid 
| Zone, to tell the days the Sun will be Vertical. 

Rule 42. Count from over the Equinoctial 
J the given number of degrees to the North or 
J South on the Meridian. Turn the Meridian so 
j that the given number meets the Ecliptic, at 
I which point of meeting read the required day. 
j If the number meets the Ecliptic at two points 
j at each, read the day the Sun is Vertical. 

When will the Sun be vertical to all those 
places that have no altitude, or are on the Equa- 
j tor? Ans. March 20th and Sept. 22nd. When 
wid the Sun be vertical to San Jose\ or all places 
10° north latitude? Ans. April 15th and Aug. 
27th. _ ° 

To determine the Latitude and Longitude of a 
Ship at Sea by a Star visible in the Zenith. 

Rule 43. Bring the Graduated Meridian to 
the Star. If the Star is in the Zenith, its Dec- 
lination, as found on this Meridian, is the Lati- 
tude of the Ship. To determine the Longitude, we 
J find the Ship's time on the circumference of the 
movable horizon, at the given day marked on ihc 
graduated circumference of the Planisphere. 
I The difference between it and chronometer time, 
converted into degrees, will give the Ship's Lon- 
j gitudc. 

If Sir'i-us is in the zenith on the 22nd of Feb., 
what is the ship's time and latitude? Ans. 8h. 
31m., evening, and 16^° south. If An-ta'res is 



in the zenith on the 4th of July, what is the 
ship's time and latitude? Ans. 9h. 31m. 45s. 
p.m. and 2G° south lnitudc. 

If Al deb'a-ran is in the zenith on the 25th day 
of December, what is the ship's timejmd lati- 
tude? Ans. lOh. 13m. 30s. p.m. 
latitude. 

To find the Latitude and Longitude of a Ship 
at Sen by any Star on the Meridian, not in the 
Zenith, but whose zenitli distance is determined. 

I. When the Star and Ship are North of the 
Equinoctial, and the Star North of the Ship. 

Rule 44. Bring the Graduated Meridian to 
the Star. Find its Declination in degrees, on 
this Meridian, from which subtract the zenith 
distance. The. remainder is the latitude of the 
Ship. By Rule 43 find the Ship's longitude. 

If the zenith distance of Ca-pel'la on the me- 
ridian is 6° on the 25th of Dec, what is the 
ship's time and latitude? Ans. lOh. 50m., even- 
ing, and 40° north latitude. If Al-deb'a-ran is 
on the meridian, and 6^° north of the ship on 
the 25th of Dec., what is the ship's time and 
latitude? Ans. lOh. 12m. P.m., and 10° north 
latitude. 

II. When the Star and Ship are South of the 
Equinoctial, and the Ship South of the Star. 

Rule 45. Bring the Graduated Meridian to 
the Star. Find its Declination in degrees, on ! 
this Meridian, to which add the zenith distance. 
The sum is the latitude of the Ship. By Rule 
43 find the Ship's Longitude. 

If Sir'i us is on the meridian, and 3G^° north, 
on Feb. 22nd, what is the ship's time and lati- 
tude? Ans. 8h. 30jin., evening, and 53° bouth 
latitude. Spi'ca is on the meridian, and 30j° 
north of the zenith March 17th: what is the 
ship's time and latitude? Ans. lh. 33m., morn- 
ing, ami 41° south latitude. 

III. When the Ship is North and the Star 
South of the Equinoctial, and vice versa. 

Rule 46. Bring the Graduated Meridian to 
the Star. Subtract the Declination of the Star 
from the zenith distance, the remainder will be 
the Ship's Latitude. By Rule 43 rind the Ship's 
Longitude. 

If An-ta'res is on the meridian, and 66° south 
of the zenith, on July 4th, what is the ship's 
time and latitude? Ans. 9h. 31m. 10s. p.m., 
and 40° north latitude. If Al-dcb'a-ran is on 
the meridian, 76^ north, on Jan. 1st, what is 
the ship's time and latitude? Ans. 9h. 48m., j 
and 60° south latitude. 

The Latitude of the Ship and the name of the 
Star given, to find its Meridian Altitude any dxy j 
in the year, also the time of day. 

Rule 47. Count on the Meridian the given 
degrees of latitude of the place, and call it j 
Zenith. Find on the Planisphere the given star, j 
and bring the Meridian to its centre. Count i 
the degrees between the Star and Zenith for | 
zenith distance. The zenith distance taken from I 
90° will give the Meridian Altitude. At any i 
day outsiile read the minute of meridian passage j 
of the Star. 

A ship at sea, 60° north latitude, sees Arctu- ! 
rus on the meridian, wants to know its ahitude j 
'and ship's time on June 9th? Ans. Altitude 



50°; ship's time, 8h. 58m. 



lg. A ship at 



sea, 50j° south, sees Fo'mal-haut on the meridian, 



12 



» 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PL A.^Z SPHERES. 



wants to know its altitude and ship's time Oct. 
3rd. Ans. 70° above the north horizon; ship's 
timo, lOh. lm., evening. 

To find the Ecliptic North Pole. 

Rule 48. Bring 6 o'clock, morning, to the 
arrow at March 22nd, outside. From the North 
Pole on the Meridian count 23° 27' 20", there 
stick a pin, and call it the North Pole of the 
Ecliptic. 

Jo make a Graduated Meridian Line. 

Rule 49. Slip a clean piece of strong paper 
under the Meridian to the Pole. Along the 
graduated side make a mark. Commence 10° 
irom the North Pole, mark all the graduation 
marks, call each one a degree, make the five- 
marks a little longer, the ten-marks still a little 
longer, to within ten degrees of the South hori- 
zon, making 120°. Fold the upper marks under, 
and again slip the paper under the Meridian, so 
that the line and graduation correspond. Con- 
tinue to 180°, through it stick a pin, and call it 
Ecliptic North Pole; leaving a small circle 
around it, cut the paper on the line; put on the 
figures to complete the Graduated Meridian Line. 

To find the Longitude and Latitude of the Sun 
any day at Mean Noon. 

Rule 50. Find the day of the month on the 
Ecliptic (the Sun's place among the stars). The 
number of degrees counted on the Ecliptic from 
March 20th (the Vernal Equinox, or first point 
Pisces) to the day of the month is the Sun's 
Longitude in degrees. The Sun has no latitude. 

What is the latitude and longitude of the Sun 
March-20th? Ans 0. What is the latitude 
and longitude of the Sun Sept. 21st? Ans. 
Latitude 0, longitude 180°. 

The Latitude and Longitude of the Sun, Moon, 
Planet, Star, or Comet being given, to locate it on 
the Planisphere or Sky. 

Rule 51. Place the Meridian on the Ecliptic 
Pole by Rule 49. Couut on the Ecliptic from 
the Vernal Equinox the number of degrees of 
Longitude, to which bring the Meridian. Count 
the degrees of Latitude on the Meridian from 
the Ecliptic North or South for the place of the 
Heavenly Body. 

To find the Latitude and Longitude of a Star. 

Rule 52, Make a Graduated Meridian Line 
by Rule 49. Place it upon the Ecliptic North 
Pole, found by Rule 48. Then bring this Gradu- 
ated Meridian to the centre of the Star. The 
Latitude can be counted from the Ecliptic to the 
Star, while the Longitude can be counted in 
degrees on the Ecliptic from the Vernal Equinox 
East to this Meridian Line, passing through the 
Star and Ecliptic Pole. 

Still an easier way to find the Latitude and Lon- 
gitude of a Star. 

Rule 53. Lay a straight piece of paper on 
the Ecliptic Pole to pass through the Star; at 
the Ecliptic make a mark; at the Star make an- 
other mark ; and another at the Pole. Lay 
the straight piece on the Meridian, and count 
the degrees between the Ecliptic and Star mark 
for Latitude, from the Star to the Pole for the 
Polar Distance. For Longitude count the de- 
grees from the Vernal Equinox East on thp 
Ecliptic to the straight edge. 

The Latitude of the nlace is equal to the Altitude 
of the Pole. 



Rule 54 Count from the Eqinoctial the 
number of decrees the Latitude of the place for 
Zenith distance, equal to the number of degrees 
counted from the Pole the North horizon. 

To find the Oblique Angle a Star will meet the 
Horizon in ar Oblique Sphere. 

Rule 55. Bring the Star to the Horizon, and 
notice the pomt of compass of meeting; then 
bring the St^r up to the Meridian, and count 
its altitude from the South for about the Oblique 
Angle the Sfcaff will make when it meets the 
Horizon. 

To find wha* Stars are in the Circle of Perpetual 
Apparition au s.'^y place in North Latitude. 

Rule 56. .ount the number of degrees of 
Latitude from the Pole. "A radius equal to the 
altitude of the Pole above the horizon is called 
the Circle of Perpetual Apparition." — Brock- 
lesby. Turn it all around to see what Stars 
never set. 

Will Arc-tu'rus be in the circle of perpetual 
apparition in New York ; if not, where will it 
be? Ans. No; but in 70° north, on the circle. 
Which star iu the Dipper sets in latitude 40° 
north? Ans, Benetnash, m the end of the 
handle, not in the circle Is Deneb, in the top 
of the Cross, in the circle of perpetual appari- 
tion in New York? Ans« No, by over 5°. 

To find win** Stars are in the Circle of Perpetual 
Occultation an>»' place in North Latitude. 

Rule 57. IS'btract the Latitude of the place 
from 90°, and uiount the number of degrees thus 
obtained fuom the Equinoctial for the South 
horizon; turn it around ihe Stars, South of that 
line will be in the Circle of Perpetual Occulta- 
tion. 

Will Fo'mal haut be seen by a person in 60° 
north latitude? Ans. No Will An-ta'res be 
seen ? Ans. Yes. 

To find the Altitude of a Star as seen from ihe 
North Pole. 

Rule 58. The Equator will be the horizon at 
the North Pole. The North Declination of a 
Star will be it." Altitude. 

What is the altitude of Arc-tu f rus as seen from 
the North Poll- * Ans. 20°. 

To find the J; 'titudeqfa Star as seen from the 
South Pole, but visible at 40° North Latitude. 

Rule 59. The Equator will be the horizon of 
the South Pole, and the South Declination will 
be its altitude read on the Meridian to 50° 
South. 

What is the altitude of Fo'mal-haut as seen 
from the South Pole. Ans: 30£°. 

To find the Altitude of a Star as seen from the 
South Pole, that is, within the Circle of Perpetual 
Occultation, in Latitude 40° North. 

Rule 60. Run a clean piece of paper under 
the Meridian, make a mark along it, and mark 
off 20° of the graduation, which call 40°, the 
radi of the small circle, pin it to its centre (the 
South Pole), and then count on it 1° for 2° from 
the South Pole, which taken from 90° wil{ give 
the Altitude. 

What is thfi altitude of a CRUCIS, Southern 
Cross 1 * Ans. South Pole distance, 28° ; its alti- 
tude, 62°. 

To find the Vernal Equinox and First Meridian. 

Rule 61. Bring 12 Noon to the arrow, March 
22nd. Where the Meridian meets the Equinoc- 



PROBLEMS jrOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



13 



tial and Ecliptic, find March 20th, at f;he Vernal 
Equinox, the Meridian coinciding witn. the First 
Meridian. 

To foul the Summer Solstice and ten ''olure. 

Rule 62. Bring 6 o'clock, events:,- to the 
j arrow, near March 22nd; where th& Meridian 
j meets the Ecliptic, find June 21st, at the Sum- 
mer Solstice, and while the Meridian marks out 
the Summer Solstitial Colure. 

To find the Autumnal Equinox and its Colure. 

Rule 63. Bring 12 o'clock, midnight, to the 
j arrow; where the Meridian meets the Ecliptic 
I and Equinoctial, find Sept. 22nd and tne Autum- 
nal Equinox, the Meridian coinciding Avith the 
j Equinoctial Colure. 

To find the Winter Solstice and its Colure. 

Rule 64. Bring 6 o'clock, morning, or 18h. 
siderial clock time or Right Ascension, to the 
arrow; where the Meridian meets the Ecliptic, 
find Dec. 22nd at the Winter Solstice, while the 
Meridian marks out the Winter Solstitial Colure. 

To find the Stars that shine Vertically over the 
Torrid Zone. 

Rule 65. Count on the Meridi«a 23° 27' 
from i he Equinoctial North for the noi-cnern, and 
South fur the southern, boundary of the Torrid 
Zone, all the Stars in that belt shining vertically 
over the Torrid Zone. 

Over what Zone does Reg'u-lus *mue! Ans. 
The Torrid. 

To find the Stars that shine vertically over the 
North Temperate and North Frigid Zone*. 

Rule 66. Count on the Meridian 23° 27' 
from the North Pole, which turn all around for 
the southern boundary of the North Frigid Zone, 
and the northern boundary of the North Tem- 
perate Zone ; the southern boundary of the North 
Temperate Zone being the North boundary of 
the Frigid Zone. 

Over what Zone does Arc-tu'rus shine. Ans. 
North Temperate. 

To find the Time Twilight will begis-. nnd end, 
and the length of Total Darkness at either Pole. 

Rule 67. Twilight begins at the Nonh Pole 
when the Sun crosses the Equator, S«pt. 22nd. 
and continues to grow darker until ho gets 18° 
below, or South Declination 18°, tL<?n total 
darkness until he arrives to within l<s° of the 
Equator, then twilight begins, growing brighter 
until he rises, when he arrives at the Equator, 
March 20th. When he rises at the Uorth Pole, 
twilight then begins at the South Pole, *md con- 
tinues until he gets 18° North; then comes total 
darkness until he comes back to 18° North Dec- 
lination, when twilight will begin at tne South 
Pole, and continue to grow brighter until he 
rises, when he arrives at the Equator. Count 
on the Meridian 18° from the Equinoctial, and 
bring it to meet the Ecliptic in four points, at 
each point of meeting, read the day of tiie month 
the Sun is at that place. 

When will twilight begin at the iToTth Pole 1 
Ans. Jan. 28th, "when total darkness ends. 
When will twilight end at the North Pele ? Ans. 
Nov. 13th, when total darkness begins. When 
will twilight end at the South Pole? Ans. 
May 11th. When will twilight begin at the 
South Pole? Ans. Aug. 1st, when total dark- 
ness ends. 

To find the Harvest Moon. 



Rule 68. Find in the almanac the day the 
Moon fulls in Sept. By Rule 10 locate the 
Moon for noon that day. Bring the Eastern 
horizon to the Moon's place. At the same day, 
outside, on the movable horizon note the time 
the Moon will rise. In the same way find the 
time the Moon will rise for several days. The 
Moon rising for several evenings so near the 
retiring Sun, and shining all night, gives the 
harvester a good opportunity to gather in the 
fruits of his labor 

To find the Hunters' Moon. — #u»*" , «e" 

Rule 69. Find in the almanac the day the 
Moon fulls in Oct. The same as Rule 68^ find 
the time of the Moon's rising on several days. 
The Moon for these two fulls will be found to be 
rising for several evenings about the time the 
Sun will be setting : thus while the full Moon 
will be rising in the Eastern horizon, look on 
the Ecliptic for the day of the month the Sun 
setting in the Western horizon. 

When the difference of time in the Moon's rising 
is least, the difference of time in setting is great st. 

Rule 70. By Rule 68 find the least differ- 
ence of the time in the Moon's rising, or Har- 
vest Moon. Bring those several Moon's places 
to the Western horizon at the same day, outside. 
Note the difference of time of the Moon's setting 
to be the greatest. 

Changing Seasoxs. To find when it will be 
Summer in any Latitude. 

Rule 71. By Rule 40 find on the Meridian 
the point to call Zenith. Move the Meridian 
over the Ecliptic until it comes nearest the 
Zenith. Count the least Zenith distance at the 
point of meeting, see the day the Sun will be 
nearest over head, or Summer. 

To find when it will be Winter in any Latitude. 

Rule 72. By Rule 40 rind on the Meridian 
the point to < all Zenith. Move the Meridian 
along the Ecliptic until it meets the point where 
it is at the greatest Zenith distance, at which 
point of meeting see the day the Sun's rays will 
strike the place most obliquely, or at its greatest 
Zenith distance, or Winter. 

To find when it will be Spring or Fall in any 
Latitude. 

Rule 73. Locate the Zenith by Rule 40 for 
places outside the Torrid Zone by moving the 
Meridian along the Ecliptic. Find the mean 
Zenith distance, or those points halfway between 
the greatest and least Zenith distance, which call 
the Equinoctial points. Note the days of each, the 
one toward which the Sun approaches call Spring, 
the one from which the Sun recedes call Fall. 

To find Astronomical and Almanac Spring. 

Rule 74. Find on the Ecliptic, March 20th, 
the Sun crossing the Line, when Astronomical 
Spring begins; for the beginning: of Almanac 
Spring, look for the first day of March. 

To find when Summer begins. 

Rule 75, Find on the Ecliptic, June 21st, the 
Sun at his greatest distance North, longest day, 
Astronomical Summer begins, but for the ac- 
cepted first day of Summer, look for June 1st. 

To find when Autumn begins. 

Rule 76, Find on the Ecliptic, Sept. 22nd, 
the Sun crossing the Equinoctial, going South, 
when the Astronomical Autumn begins; but we 
begin with the month, Sept. 1st. 



14 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



To find when Winter brains. 

Rule 77. Find on the Ecliptic, Dec. 21st, the 
Sun at his greatest Southern Declination, the 
shortest day, Astronomical Winter begins ; but 
the Almanac Winter begins Dee. 1st. 

To show the Sun rises and sets isjalse when we 
see the truth. 

Rule 78. Find the Sun's place where the day j 
of the month on the Ecliptic, which the celestial 
globe makes to rise and set, but on the Plani- 
sphere it is at rest while the horizon only moves, 
which is the truth. 

The Stars rise and set is false, talcing the Mov- 
able Planisphere to be the truth. 

Rule 79. Find any Star (which does not 
move) on the Planisphere. The way to get it 
to rise or set is to move the horizon to it, East 
for rising, West for setting. By the celestial 
globe, the horizon is at rest, and the Stars move 
the reverse of truth. 

The Signs and Constellations of the Zodiac dis- 
agree, to find them as taught in the school of to-day. 

Rule 80. Look on page 4, find ' 1. V 2£ ' 
Pis'ees (the Fishes), so on for all the 12 Signs, 
as taught in the school of to-day; also find them 
so on the painted Planisphere. 
. To find the Signs and Constellations agreeing. 

Rule 81. Look on the black Planisphere; 
find the Sign of <Z3 m§ Can'cer (the Crab) all 
together; so with all the 12 Signs. Why not 
have them agree, as they will never come back. 
So from them agreeing on No. 2, 3, 4, & 5 Plani- 
spheres, page 3. 

To find the day the Dog Star will rise with the 
Sun. 

Rule 82. Find a Sir ; i-us, the Dog Star, in 
Ca'nis Ma'jor's nose, on the painted Planisphere. 
Then find it on the black one, and bring its cen- 
tre to near the E.S.E. horizon for rising. Near 
the E.N. E., where the Ecliptic meets the hori- 
zon, see the day the Sun will rise with the Dog 
Star. 

"If we look directly overhead at 10 o'clock on the 
\0th of November." — Bukritt, p. 18. 

Rule 83. Bring 10 o'clock, evening, to Nov. 
10th. In the Zenith find An-droin'e~da, at her 
feet find her husband, on his knee; on her right 
her mother; and just behind her find her father, 
King of Ethiopia, — the royal family, not sepa- 
ated on three different maps, which I never could 
patch together on the sky, but altogether on one 
map, with all the other Stars and Constellations, 
each in its proper position in connection with 
the whole ; and move it to any minute at pleas- 
ure. 

To locate "Telescopic Objects." — Burritt. 

Rule 84. Bring the hour and minutes of R. 
A., found on th.; circumference of the movable 
horizon, to the arrow at March 22nd, outside , 
under the Dec., marked on the Meridian, find 
the place of the 'Telescopic Object.' By Rule 
4, find its location on the skv at any time. 

R.A., 19h. 24m. 16s; Dec. N.,*27° 37',— to 
find the Star. Ans. 13 Al-bi'rco, in the bottom 
of the Cross and in the Swan's head. 

To find when the "Acronical rising or setting" 
(Burritt) of a Star will occur. 

Rule 85. Bring the Eastern horizon to the 
Star for Acronical rising; where the Western 



horizon meets the Ecliptic find the day; at the 
same day, outside, read the hour and minute 
for Acronical setting. Bring the Star to the 
Western horizon, where the Eastern horizon 
meets the Ecliptic find the day, and at the day 
outside read the hour and minute it will take 
place. 

To find the Heliacal rising or setting of a Star or 
Planet. — Burritt. 

Rule 86. Bring the Eastern horizon to the 
day found on the Ecliptic, and look for the 
Stars that are Heliacally rising just above the 
Eastern horizon ; or bring the Western horizon 
to the day of the month on the Ecliptic, for the 
Stars just above the Western horizon arc called 
Heliacal setting. By Rule 9 locate the Planets. 

To find what bright Stars may be lookidfor, and 
where to see them at a total Eclipse of the Sun. 

Rule 87. Bring the moment of totality, found 
on the circumference of the movable horizon, to 
the day of the month, found on the circumfer- 
ence of the Planisphere. Again, find the day of 
the month on the Ecliptic where the Sun is, and 
around it see the Stars in their proper positions. 

"To convert the Right Ascension and Declination 
of a Body into its Longitude and Latitude." — Nor- 
ton's Astronomy, p. 70. 

Rule 88. Find the Right Ascension and 
Domination by Rule 15 ; also rind the Latitude 
and Longitude by Rule 53. 

"Changing Aspect of the Heavens arising from 
the Rotation of the Earth." — Brock j-esby,' 40-45, 
and 134. 

Runs 89. Turn the movable horizon all round, 
observing on the circumference of the Planisphere 
the day at the hour and minute on the circum- 
ference of the movable horizon of the visible 
' starry sky,' instead of repeating what Rev. Prof. 
Brocklesby has so well said. Road it, and see 
how well the movable horizon will vllustrate the 
who^e mystery. 

" Circumsolar Constellations, and apparent move- 
ments of the Celestial SpJiere."-LocvLYE.R, 342-344. 

Rule 90. Turn the North horizon all around, 
observing all the Stars and Constellations that 
never vo down, or Circumpolar Stars. Turn the 
horizon around again, stopping every hour long 
enough to notice the Dipper, to see how remark- 
ably it changes. 

"Constellations visible in the United States on 
different evemmjs throughout the year. — Lockyer, 
143 152. 

Rule 91. Bring the given hour and minute, 
found on the circumference of the movable hori- 
zon, to the given day of the month, found on 
the circumference of the Planisphere. Inside the 
horizon find the stars visible, each one above the 
proper point of the compass. When so set, look 
at any other day; see the hour or minute of the 
different days throughout the year, the same sky 
will be seen. 

What stars may be seen "Jan. 20th, 10 T\M.;" 
and at what other times may the stars be seen in j 
the very same place? Ans. Those seen in Fig. 
75, Lockyer. See in the Twins three nearly par- 
allel lines crossing three other nearly parallel 
lines of stars, crossing nearly perpendicularly; 
also the Three King, pointing out the Ily-a'des 
and Plc'ia-dcs on one side, Sir'i-us on the other 
side. Without changing the Planisphere, see at 



I 



PROBLEMS FOR THE MOVABLE PLANISPHERES. 



15 



"Feb. 4th, 9 r.M.; Feb. 19th, 8 p.m.; Dec. 21st, 
midnight; Jan. 5th, 11 p.m." What stars will 
be visible "May 21st, at 10 p.m.?" Ans. Fig. 
76, Lockver; sec the stars so accurately located 
as may be easily traced a figure 2 in Bo-o'tcs ; 
Sickle in the Northern Crown, with (5 in Bo-o'tcs. 
X, or hour-glass, in the Serpent's head. The 
parallelogram in Lion. Sec the Pointers point- 
ing to the pair of stars in the Bear's hind paw. 
It is uncommon to find the stars so accurately 
located. See the V or A, Draco's head. Even 
the small star u in Hercules. Without changing 
the horizon from "May 21st, 10 p.m.", also find 
"June 5th, 9 p.m.; May 28th, 9^ p.m.; May 6th, 
11 p.m.; -April 20, midnight." 

The Movable Planisphere always stops at 365 
Days, Mean Clock Time, also at the same moment 
of Siderial Clock Time fur any one of the 365 Days. 
[10.6.72, 2^ a.m.] 

Rule 92. Read 365 days on the circumfer- 
ence* of the Planisphere. On the circumference 
of the movable horizon at each day read the 
Mean Clock Time, while the arrow near March 
22nd, outside, will point to the moment of Side- 
rial Clock Time for any one of those days. 

To show the Movable Planisphere correct, while 
the error in reading was but 4" and 1". 

Rule 93. Isaac Bradford of U.S. Coast Sur- 
vey, and calculator of the almanacs, very cheer- 
fully found by the U.S. Nautical Almanac and 
mathematics the correct answer to the two ques- 
tions of Rule 22 to be : — 

lOh. 25m. 56s., and 9h. 11m. 59s., correct. 

Reading of Planisphere: — 

lOh. 26m., and 9h. 12m., small error. 

Some siderial clocks cost $200, while the set of 

Planispheres cost but $6. 

To prove the Movable Planisphere 365 times better 
than the Celestial Globe, by Lockyer. (Am. Edition.) 

Rule 94. By Rale 92 see the Planisphere 
always ready for 365 days. By Rule 91 set it 
for any one of those days ; when set, it will show 
the stars above the horizon for the other days J 
without any alteration. Lockver tells us, p. 187, 
and paragraph 347, " We next bring under the 
brazen meridian the actual place in the heavens 
occupied by the Sun at the time; this place is 
given for every day in the almanac." Taking 
the examples p. 189-194, we can easily sec when 
we set the Planisphere for "Jan. 20th, 10 p.m." 
it will then be also set for "Feb. 4th, 9 p.m.; 
Feb. 19th, 8 p.m.; Dec. 21st, midnight; Jan. 5th, 
11 p.m.; and Fig. 75." We can as easily see the 
necessity of rectifying the globe for each day, 
and when so rectified, it will do for that day, and 
for no other. The globe costs $25, the Plani- 
spheres $3 each, or $3 a set. 

" Consequences of the Diurnal Motion. "-Loomis, 
p. 12, art. 13. 

Rule 95. For Star "A 1st" find, Rule 90, a 
eir^umpolar Star. For star " G 2nd" find by 
Rule 57 a Star in the circle of perpetual occulta 
tion. For the star "C 3rd" take a star that 
shines over the North Temperate Zone, Rule 66. 
Turn the horizon around to illustrate "Fig. 1," 
watching the arc the Star will describe. 

" Constellations visible in Nov,;" and all the 
other months in order. — Rev. Joiix Davis, A.M., 
p. 230-332. 

Rule 96. Look over the 52 pages. Find some 



of best printed pictures of the Constellations I 
ever saw, with Stars very accurately located, so 
as to look very natural, making 30 different maps 
or pictures. Take those that are visible this 
month; find each one on the painted Plani- 
sphere ; look how accurately each star is located ; 
and then look them over together on the black 
Planisphere, and see what will be their position 
this evening; and go out and look them up on 
the firmament, to make a pleasant use of what 
we know immediately. 

" Constellations visible in September," with all the 
other months in order, with 1 6 beautiful plates splen- 
didly got up. — Rolfe & Jellet, p. 4 1 1 . 

Rule 97. Find the Constellations and Stars 
altogether on the painted Planispheres, and also 
on the black one. Find all the Stars as shown 
on the 16 plates, one looking like the sky, the 
other with the pictures. Find them for this 
month, and by Rule 4 find them out on the firma- 
ment at any minute desired. 

"Signs and Constellations do not agree." — J. D. 
Steele, p. 230-264, with Fig. 72. The first I 
have seen to follow the truth I have been pub- 
lishing for twenty years. Fig. 73-81. 

Rule 98. Find "Fig. 77," the figure 2 in 
Bootes, the X or hour-glass in the head of the 
Serpent, while the remainder is on "Fig. 78," 
with the Kite in Scorpio and the Milk Dipper 
beautifully shown in Sagittarius. When any of 
them are wanted to be seen, look them up on 
both Planispheres, then turn the hour and min- 
ute wanted to look for, then to the day of the 
month, then go out and find them on the clear 
sky. 

" The Southern Cross, so well shown on Fig 
81 " can be seen in the small circle of Stars in 
perpetual occupation around South Pole. 

" To find the place of a Constellation or Star on 
the Globe." 

"Note. — The student should be exercised in find- 
ing all the places of the Constellations or .stars laid 
Gown iu the lists, according to this llule."' — Kiddle, 
p. 241. 

Rule 99. Try the globe, also the Planisphere, 
and use the better. " Find the place of a Con- 
stellation or Star" by Rule 15. 

I have no book on Astronomy, nor will I; but 
want to help all the already uscfui books to be 
more used, and better understood by the student, 
and be with them very much more valuable than 
either alone, — in unity, each helping the other 
by helping ourselves, each keeping in his own 
sphere, to help roll on the great car of progress. 

The Movable Planisphere is always ready to 
show 365 days running under the mean clock 
time; also at the arrow by March 22nd, see the 
moment of the siderial clock time for anyone of 
the 365 days, the hours and minutes of right 
ascension of mid heaven. Read the degrees of 
declination on the meridian over the heavenly 
object when found. 

Use the black Planisphere for correct answers. 

The two reasons for using Dr. Jane's Almanac 
are astronomically it the best, and ho {rives me 
15,000 copies for gratuitous distribution, so send 
a 2-cent P.O. stamp", and get one about New- 
Year's by return mail, or send 10 cents for each 
10 you want for your astronomical class. The 
examples on page 7 are altered to suit the alma- 
nac each year to locate the planets. 



REGQMMENDATIOM 



LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 



003 538 845 A 



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Washington, June 3. 186S. 
Henry Whitall, Esq., 

Dear Sir, — During my late cruise I was for- 
tunately provided with one of your Movable 
Planispheres, and used it frequently. On all occa- 
sions I found it to att'ord reliable results, and these 
were obtained with very little trouble, and no 
difficulty. To my apprehension, it is an interest- 
ing and valuable appendage to the means of navi- 
gation, and I most cheerfully and sincerely com- 
mend its possession and use to those who follow 
the sea, or have occasion to consult the Heavens 
for Astronomical purposes. It is a great deal more 
convenient of use, particularly on board ship, 
than a celestial globe, and gives data quite as accu- 
rately. For my own part, I would not be at sea 
without one if I could help it. Yours, with much 
respect, L. M. Goldsborough, 11. Ad. U.S. N. 

U.S. Naval Observ./Washington, D.C. 
This is to certify that I have examined a Mov- 
able Planisphere of the Heavens at Every Min- 
ute, by Henry Whitall, and that it can be relied 
upon to convert mean into siderial time to within 
a very small fraction of a minute. 

Wm; Harkness, Prof. Math. U.S. Navv. 



Georgetown College, D.C., May 9, 1864. 
Mr. Whitall has explained the use of his Plani- 
spheres to me, and I think they can be used to 
advantage for all persons who are desirous of 
improving themselves in those parts of Astrono- 
my that have reference to the celestial globe. 

James Curled, Prof, of Astronomy. 

No. 215.) Permanent Com., Navy Dept. } 
Washington, May 21, 1864. \ 

Sir, — We have the honor to report that the 
Commission has had under consideration and 
examination Mr. H. Whitall's Movable Plani- 
sphere of the Heavens. This Movable Plani- 
sphere appears to have been prepared with con- 
siderable care, and as the constructions depend 
upon mathematical principles, it is entirely prob- 
able that, as far as the materials permit, paper, 
and the modes of construction, it will answer an 
excellent purpose, not only as a representation 
of the starry heavens, but as giving relative posi- 
tions of the stars of different magnitudes down 
to the fifth magnitude, and the usual figures of 
the Constellations. The problems to be solved 
are stated on the cover of the Planisphere. The 
uses of such a Planisphere are well known, also 
their conveniences in observing the paths of mete- 
ors, for which it has been employed by the mem- 
bers of the Connecticut Academy and their com- 
mittee. This Planisphere of Mr. Whitall is of a 
convenient form, and its neatness and cheapness 
commend it to scientific Ube for those purposes 
to which it is applicable. Very respectfully, 
your obedient servants : 

Hon. Gideon Welles, Secv of the Navv. 

C. H. Davis, R. Ad and Chief of B. of Nav. 

A. D. Bacue, Supt. U.S. Coast Survey. 

Joseph Henry, Se.-y, Smith. Institution. 

J. G. Barnard, Brig.- Gen. and Lt.-Col. Eng. 

J. Saxton, Asst. Supt. Weights and Meas. 



U. S. Coast Survey Office, ) 
Washington, May 10, 1864. ] 
Dear Sir, — I have examined your Plani- 
sphere of the Heavens, and have formed a very 
favorable opinion of it. It is calculated, in de- 
fault of the more expemive and less portable 
globe, to greatly facilitate a familiar aequ:iintance 
with the appearance of the- starry firmament; 
and will be found useful not owly to the student, 
but also to the observer of astronomical phenom- 
ena, as well as to the navigator, when he has 
occasion to use unfamiliar stars. The present 
construction of your instrument is an iniprovc- 
•ment upon its previous form. Please supply a 
set for the use of this office. Yours, respect- 
fully, J. E. Hilgard, Asst. Coast Survey. 

*' If I could not get another, I would nofc sell 
mine for fifty dollars. Geo. H. Chace." 

"Should be in every hook- store for sale, and 
in every family and school for use." — Telegraph. 

" I have used Mr. Whitall's Planisphere in my 
school for more than two years, ami can teach 
more of the starry heavens from it in one day 
than I can in a year from any other celestial 
atlas, map, or globe I have ever seen. 

C. B. Metcalf, Highland School, Worcester." 

Extract from the Christian Messenger, New York. 
"Old methods compared with it are like foot- 
men to a steam-engine, or a newsboy astride a 
rack of bones to the telegraph." 

" I have examined Mr, H. Whitall's Movable 
Planisphere, and it seems to me to be a simple 
and economical substitute for a celestial globe, 
and capable of being used for most of the ordi- 
nary purposes to which globes are applied, and 
it is especially to be recommended lor the sim- 
plicity with which it presents to the eye some of 
the popular problems of Astronomy, and ior the 
readiness with which it will enable one to ascer- 
tain the names and positions of the stars. 

Ben. Pierce, L.L.D., Prof, of Astronomy." 

We fully concur in the recommendation of 

Prof. Pierce of Harvard University, Cambridge, 

Mass. 

Daniel Leach, Supt. Pub. Schools, Prov. 

Alfheus Crosby, A.M., Principal State Nor- 
mal Schools, Salem, Mass. 

Henry Kiddle, Supt. Pub. Schools, N.Y. City. 

Rev. H. Mattison, High-School Astronomy. 

S. S. Randall, Supt. Pub. Schools. N.Y. City. 

Wm. Smeaton, Principal, Nor. 19. 

W.J. Schofield,32 Summer Street, Boston. 

Thomas Foulke, Prin. Friends' Seminary. 

Thomas Hunter, Prin., No. 35, 15th Ward. 

Thomas F. Harrison, Prin. No. 41, Oth Ward. 

Henry M. Parkhurst, 

D. C. Van Norman. 

"I am happy to recommend it to those who 
would be glad to learn something of the starry 
heavens. John D. Piiilbrick, 

Supt. Pub. Schools, Boston." 



mi 




LIBRARY o F 




003 538 845 



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I-lnllinrvjM> it 



